Health is a thing which causes a person’s heart to remain satisfied. The result of this is that the person is greatly motivated in fulfilling acts of ibaadah and other good deeds. When he experiences the benefit of eating and drinking, he expresses his gratitude to the Most High Allah.

When his body is strong, he is able to do good work and be of service to others. Furthermore, he is able to fulfil the rights of those who have rights over him. Taking the necessary steps to acquire a healthy body with the above-mentioned goals in mind is therefore an act of ibaadah and considered to be a religious act.

It is more important for women to have knowledge of these things because their children are brought up under their care and supervision. Children do not have any knowledge about things that would benefit them or cause harm to them. When women do not have any knowledge of these (health) matters, their children fall ill on account of their (the mothers) carelessness. Even if the children are able to study and learn, their knowledge is affected (on account of ill health).

Furthermore, the sickness of the children or of the wife places the men under great stress. It is their money that is spent for the doctor’s fees and medication. In short, there is nothing but harm. The Messenger of Allah (P.B.U.H.) has urged us to seek a cure and to take care of our bodies. We are therefore writing a few necessary facts in this regard.

Hazrat Mas’ud Al-Ansari (R. A.) has related that the Messenger of Allah said, “when some one spends on his family seeking his reward for it from Allah, it counts to him as Sadaqah.” { Bukhari, Muslim}

Hazrat Anas (R. A.) has related that the Messenger of Allah said, “If any Muslim plants something or sows seed from which man, bird, or beast eats, it counts as Sadaqah for him.” { Bukhari, Muslim}

Hazrat Jabir ( R. A.) has related that the Prophet said, if any one has three daughters and he teaches them good manners, is sympathetic towards them, and support them, then surely he became entitled to Paradise. Someone then asked, O Apostle of Allah, if someone has two daughters? He replied, ‘Yes, even if he has only two.” Some people took an impression that his answer would have been similar if he were questioned about one daughter only. Tabrani has added: That if he also gets them married.’ {Ahmad, Bazar, Tabrani}

Hazrat Abu Hurairah ( R. A.) asked Allah’s Messenger what kind of Sadaqah was most excellent and he replied, “What a man with his little property can afford to give; and begin with those for whom you are responsible.” {Abu Dawud}

Hazrat Ali (R. A.) has reported Allah’s Messenger as saying, “Give the Sadaqah without delay, for it stands in the way of calamity.” {Razin}

Hazrat Abu Hurairah (R. A.) reported Allah’s messenger as saying, “Sadaqah does not reduce property, God increases the honor of him whom forgives another, and no one will humble himself for God’s sake without God exalted him.” {Mishkat}